Uses

How to use granisetron transdermal

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Follow all instructions for how to properly apply and use the patch. Do not cut the patch into smaller sizes. Do not use the patch if it appears broken, cut, or damaged. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Apply this medication to the skin, usually 1 to 2 days (24 to 48 hours) before your chemotherapy treatment or as directed by your doctor. Do not open the sealed pouch until you are ready to use the patch. Open the pouch and remove the patch from the protective liner. Apply the patch as directed to a clean and dry area on the outside part of your upper arm. Do not apply the patch to recently shaved or oily/red/irritated/broken areas of skin or to areas where you have applied skin products such as creams or lotions. You can bathe and shower with the patch on. Wash your hands with soap and water after each application.

Wear the patch during your chemotherapy treatment until at least 24 hours after you finish treatment. Do not wear the patch for more than 7 days in a row. Consult your doctor for more details on how long you should wear your patch.

If the patch does not stick well, apply medical tape or surgical bandages to the edges of the patch to keep the patch in place. Do not completely cover the patch.

When it is time to remove the patch, peel it off gently. Fold it in half with the sticky sides together, and discard in the trash away from children and pets. Do not reuse the patch. Wash the application site and your hands with soap and water. The application site may have some mild redness, which should go away within 3 days. Contact your doctor if the redness continues after 3 days.

Use this medication exactly as directed to get the most benefit from it. Do not use more medication than prescribed. Tell your doctor if nausea occurs with your chemotherapy treatment.

Side Effects

Constipation may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if this unlikely but serious side effect occurs: stomach/abdominal pain or swelling.

This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms: fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness.

Precautions

Before using granisetron, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication may be affected by sunlight or may make the application site more sensitive to sunlight. While wearing the patch, keep it covered (such as under clothing) to avoid exposing it to sunlight and sunlamps. Avoid tanning booths. After removing the patch, keep the application site covered for another 10 days.

If you are going to have an MRI test, tell testing personnel that you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metals that can cause serious burns during an MRI. Ask your doctor whether you will need to remove your patch before the test and apply a new patch afterward, and how to do so properly.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

This drug should not be used with the following medication because a very serious interaction may occur: apomorphine.

If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell you doctor or pharmacist before starting granisetron.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.

Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Overdose

This medication patch may be harmful if chewed or swallowed. If overdose or swallowing is suspected, remove the patch if possible, and contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

Tell your doctor if you miss your dose or did not use your dose at the correct time before your scheduled chemotherapy appointment. Your treatment may need to be rescheduled.

Storage

Store the patch at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) in the original sealed pouch away from heat. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not open the pouch until you are ready to use the patch. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised November 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.

Treatment by Condition Related to granisetron transdermal

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, expect as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

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